Welcome to Pizzaonia! Reflections from a different perspective --- Diverti Mento, John Frank Giovanni, Frank John Franco, Vera V. Veronica and all of the Pizza digogo DiVinci family invite you to join us - We discuss and share ideas that are relevant to our new emerging world. http://giovanniandfranco.com A division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network

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06/28/2016

It occurred to me near the end of the afternoon that an erroneous presumption we often make is that when performing a mundane service for others, it can seem like we are wasting our gift by not doing the specific work we believe we were meant to do for this day.

When in fact the service we performed, no matter how seemingly insignificant to us, may in the long run be the most important thing we can do this day when seen from the eyes of the recipient.

I guess that’s what they mean when the say “leave it up to God to decide.” Think about it the next time you grow impatient while doing a routine service for someone else.

05/31/2016

Conjectures of a Recovering Dilettante -- The nature of being a recovering dilettante

I was asked recently what is a recovering dilettante. My answer was we are all recovering dilettantes and as such; we need to recognize the condition.

Simply, in our digital age of transformation, information is now so ubiquitous and comprehensive it is no longer possible to be an expert in most areas. Certainly, in some fields of law, medicine, science and philosophy there will be the few extraordinary individuals who are experts, but they are the few, not the many.

For the rest of us, we are journeymen and women in our fields and unfortunately, we are all on the treadmill of obsolescence. The digital machine can do most of what we do.

I know this is extreme and controversial, but that does not make it any less true. The sooner we all come to grips with this, the faster we can move on to the new life that awaits us – and that life may not be as bad as some think.

My recent move back to Pizzaonia was partially motivated by the realization of the innovative life that is emerging for recovering dilettantes. I believe this emerging future is waiting for us to embrace it and when we do wondrous things will happen.

I will continue to explore this in future writings and invite your comments and participation. Thank you.

05/23/2016

In every story or play the last act is always the hardest to write. At least, that’s the way it seems to me. Why, because nothing happens the way you plan it, not even make believe.

It is amazing how virtually everything has a life of its own. You have heard the saying: “You want to make God laugh,tell him your plans.” As we enter the last years of a long life, how true this is.

Trying to write a “last act’ to life is a fun exercise, especially when you realize how serendipitous life really is. How many times have very important events occurred in your life, simply because you turned left instead of right?

In my life, so many of the most important events were accidents of being in the right place at the right time

However, since nothing is written, let’s see if we can give some shape to the last act. How do you wrap up a long life? How do you have the last chapter make any sense? Maybe you don’t, but it is our nature to try.

Even though we know that we control nothing (This is the most humbling realization about life that becomes your reality in your last years.) it is our arrogant nature to try – to do any less would not be human.

For one, you have to believe you have a destiny. I have said this many times before. I know this appears to be presumptuous, but I am convinced this is one of the most important personal beliefs each of us must have. Please note: I said must have – that is how vital to our well-being this is.

I am often surprised when I see so many of our fellow human beings that don’t consider this at all. Perhaps they are not conceited enough to believe they have a “destiny.”

So maybe trying to write a “last act to your life” is an act of pure ego, Even so, I am sure going to have some fun trying. And when it is all said and done: What do I have to lose? After all it is the “last act.”

05/16/2016

Today trying to figure out what people mean by the term “spirituality” is difficult

We can no longer assume what a person is when they are described as spiritual. It can mean anything from a belief in their inner self to a self-described sense of personal transcendence – none of these descriptions necessarily mean they believe in a Divinity.

As for me, since I no longer know what the term means, what do I do about it? And, do I really care?

Perhaps I should care since this description carries several implied meanings not the least of which is “integrity.” Does this mean that when I meet a spiritual person that I would be more inclined to trust them automatically? I suspect for me it does.

For me when I hear the word spirituality being used to describe someone, I assume they believe in some sort of transcendence beyond themselves. I also assume that to some degree they are less worldly and inclined to put spiritual matters first. I am aware that I am making assumptions

And that is the point of this short musing. How many times do I base decisions on pure assumption and little else? Obviously, I do - many times.

Does this mean I should be less trusting and not be inclined to make snap judgements? Perhaps it should. But it does come at a cost. For one I will be more cautious in our relationships. Is that good? I will leave the answer to you.

As for me I would rather be trusting. I don’t want to be considered naïve, but I will take my chances on most people being trustworthy. Will I get hurt from time to time? Obviously the answer is yes. Even so, having thought it out, I will take my chances.

All images are from the private collection of the PIZZAONIAN ART INSTITUTE - Contact Abe Straction, curator, for more information" Pizzaonian@yahoo.com copyright - (C) all rights are the exclusive property of the Pizzaonian Art Institute and images cannot be reproduced without written permission.

Today at the opening of the Pizzaonian Art Institute’s seminar on the state of Pizzaonian art, Abe Straction, newly appointed curator of the Institute declared the death of the literal image as a viable art form.

It should be clear to all who have followed art for the last 100 years that the literal image has become so ubiquitous, clichéd and mechanical in its rendition it is now insignificant as a form of communication in the digital age. This is the major theme of this year’s meetings.

“Perhaps, one could argue there is some usefulness in the literal image as a reminder of a past age, but when examined closely even that fades,” declared Mr. Straction

The focus of discussions here at the seminar is on what happened to the literal image after it was co-opted as a marketing tool to sell and propagandize. The advance of technology and the notion that everyone is “an artist” was simply one more “nail in the coffin.”

Obviously, not everyone agrees, however, this controversy will only grow louder as Mr. Straction gains more credibility in the Pizzaonian art establishment.

04/05/2016

We often do not enjoy where we are since we are simply passing through on the road to where we are going. The act of becoming often conflicts with the simple act of being.

Does it strike you as strange that we are constantly becoming something? It seems to be part of all living things; we are always in the state of “moving to the next place,” mentally or physically. Nothing interferes with the present like the act of becoming. Since we are invariably in this state, how do we enjoy the present, since our focus if not directly, at least subconsciously, is to the future?

Maybe this difference distinguishes goal-oriented societies. To the average American, a life without goals, is a life without meaning. How often have we heard someone say, “He has no drive; he always seems to be content “doing nothing.”

Keep in mind that doing nothing usually means he is not engaged in an activity that will improve his situation in the future. This same person could also be completely immersed in the present and enjoying every moment – even though there seems to be no future gain from his activity.

Responsible people understand that you have to plan ahead. Life demands this from us. But at what point does this perspective begin to erode the pleasure of everyday living? Here is where the word “balance” and “moderation” show up.

We hear these words all the time; however, when we read the success stories of today’s entrepreneurial world, when do you hear the word moderation used. The stories of these very goal-oriented people are based more on their obsessions than anything else. This hardly implies temperance.

So how about the rest of us who fall somewhere in between these two places? This answer will be different for each of us. We have our individual needs and lifestyles that will often choose for us. If your obsession is your goal in life at the expense of everything else – go for it. The rest of us will have to hope that the goal is still obtainable while we enjoy stopping along the way to enjoy the journey.

03/31/2016

So you are getting older, big deal. You should be rejoicing that being older is a privilege that not all of us have. All one needs to do is consider the alternative. That takes care of all your problems in a hurry, at least for the moment.

So you now have a long life, and hopefully a reasonably good mind that can still think clearly. This presents an obligation - one that I’m not sure I always enjoy; however, as I said before, consider the alternative.

If you are fortunate enough to believe you still have some destiny left in you, you are one of the lucky ones. Believing in a purpose bigger than you is probably one of the keys to good health in old age. Recent studies of consciousness as a force are beginning to suggest that how we think and perceive our purpose in life is pretty much how the brain is going to direct its energy - including working to keep your immune system at peak performance.

So how are you doing? If you still feel there is a purpose to the so-called “golden years” what are you going to do about it? Keep in mind; I am not talking about what makes you comfortable – like loving and caring for grandchildren – or becoming a better golfer or gardener. That is too easy, and besides, we do that naturally, if not always well.

The problem with the type of obligations I am talking about is that they usually ask something of us. In this case, we are asking ourselves to serve some greater purpose. This means work and doing things that interfere with our comfort zone. It also means expanding our current level of consciousness that might force us to give up some treasured beliefs. This is the hardest thing of all – having to change your mind – this is a subject unto itself.

How often are older people reminded of the fact that they are mentally inflexible? Is this really true or is this a club that younger folks use against their elders? They may not do it intentionally, but it is sure convenient for them to do so. If we are constantly wrong, and they are invariably right it leaves us with little credibility. I find this particularly annoying when a younger person that I am clearly smarter than dismisses me because of my age. This leads me to the subject of credibility.

Credibility – this is a key, since maintaining credibility is the only way we get anyone to listen to us. We all earned a living by being an expert at something. This is what goes first when you no longer hold a regular paying job. You cease being an expert, at least in the current sense. You might still have some believability with the history of your work experience, but forget that anyone considers that you have enough current knowledge to have some plausibility.

So what is the key? The answer is the same as it always has been. Retirement pay doesn’t count. That was the past. How much money are you paid for what you currently do? Your answer determines your believability and trustworthiness. Unfortunate – as this may be it is still as true today as it was in your heyday. So what do you do about it?

Easy – become an expert. It is amazing how defining a solution is so much easier than bringing it into being. You have two choices. One is to reestablish your standing in the field you one had some standing, or begin something new. Be careful here – starting over is no easy task. It helps if you have some relationship with your new endeavor with what you did before.

So good luck on your continued journey and never forget the wonderful dilemma of growing older - “ “freedom with attached obligations”.

03/23/2016

What is happening to Dogma? You can ask this question across the board, regardless of the organization or the place. For one, while people remain respective of dogma, they don't take it as seriously.

That is not to say, people still don't accept the creeds of their institutions, they do; they just no longer follow them. This is true regardless of the body, be it political or religious. The unanswered question is why?

Pope Francis seems to understand this. He does not refute Catholic dogma; instead, he prefers to focus on its intent rather than its rigidness.

He clearly understands we are in an evolutionary process of change - and as a result the awareness and consciousness of the average person is changing.

The old values no longer hold sway, and new collective values have yet to happen. This is why people respect dogma, even though they no longer believe in its tenants.

When in quicksand, we need to hold on to something, regardless of the contradictions in may produce in our behavior.

Whenever there is confusion it is much easier to move to “intent” as a way of creating more original and gentler behavior. We can all deal with intent because it is more abstract. When the rules are concretized as part of collective culture, there is no place to go other than “to believe.”

In the digital world of communication this concept no longer works. When information is ubiquitous, we are allowed the false sense of being knowledgeable. It becomes very easy to confuse information as knowledge.

Christianity is a wonderful example of witnessing the change that is occurring in all aspects of modern life. Originally, Christianity was very simple - “Love your neighbor as yourself” – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

It does not take a very involved theology to understand what this means. What evolved is a very compelling and complicated autocratic theology that codified all the rules of behavior.

To paraphrase the late Supreme Court Justice, William Douglas – “…interpreting the law is easy; trying legally to evade the law is takes time.”

So where does this leave Christianity today - very much in a state of flux. The more modern societies evolve, with access to easily obtained information, the less orthodox they become.

This is certainly the challenge for all orthodoxy today, including the conventions of most traditional religious beliefs.

So is the solution to return to the original intent? I propose it is. Many will argue that the earlier intent was never lost. I believe the state of the present world, and most of its orthodoxies answers the argument for me. As stated before, Pope Francis “gets it.”

By returning to the simplicity of the original Christian message, he allows believers something they can accept. Not only is the message simple, it is relevant.

Yes, the Christian message demands sacrifice and love, nonetheless; it is still compelling and easily understood - and when put in the actual words of its founder, a return to the original intent.

It seems there is a lesson here for all dated orthodoxies, including political theologies as well.

John Frank Giovanni, commenting for "The Pizzaonian" a division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network, Diverti Mento, editor

02/19/2016

I know we have to take some things seriously. We all know what they are. But, do we have to take them too seriously? Sooner or later, if one is given the privilege of time and experience, the absurdity of it all will show its face.

Consider the presidential primaries we now are suffering through. Could “Saturday Night Live” write or perform better satire than what we see at each supposed debate? I doubt it. However, let me give them their due: The Democrats seem to be getting better at becoming a "real debate" than their Republican counterparts

Nevertheless, most of the time, the only thing missing are the clown suits and baggy shoes. Again, I don't mean this to be partisan. The candidates of both parties share the stage equally.

Take the way we communicate today. We have access to information like no other generation. Has it made us any better or are we simply more aware of how bad things really are? This is true irony, particularly for a generation that believed that access to information would make things right.

The good news: Somehow the "will of the people" continues to keep us on course - regardless of the political circus the twenty four hour news circle allows us to watch.

The tragedy here is we are dealing with life and death issues that have been turned into a circus and entertainment venue. As a result, we have entertainment instead of serious debates.

There was a time when serious, intelligent candidates would have looked at this venue and said, “Are you kidding?” However, what we get instead is pandering, and we sit like sheep and say nothing.

So, if we can do nothing else, at least appreciate how absurd this really is.

Today, we read and hear ad infinitum about motivation and intention, and how they supposedly define our lives. It is overwhelming - so much so, everything we hear telling us how we are to live is now a cliché. This is what happens when a good idea becomes an industry.

Regardless, it still is our job to sort it all out.

Is it possible that consciousness drives the whole process? Can it be that we define our reality with our consciousness? I am not talking about bending spoons or walking on water, but I am suggesting that much of what we experience as our reality exists because we have willed it to be so.

If you apply this notion to faith and belief systems, it opens Pandora’s Box. What if what we define with our consciousness and then accept and believe in faith, become our reality? Add to this, if consciousness exists outside of our brain and our brain is a receptor and not an originator of that consciousness; a lot of folks are in for a big surprise.

Imagine if heaven can only exist for those who believe in its existence because their consciousness defined it as real and brings it into existence.

For an atheist heaven does not exist because their consciousness denies its existence. This allows both atheist and those who believe in heaven to be right. Did not someone once say, “We are what we believe.”

On a mundane level, how about faith healing - is it real? What role does willed consciousness play in making actual healing take place?

How about optimism and despair – are they willed by the mind? This gets more complicated when we consider that 90 percent of our brain’s consciousness is unconscious to us.

In addition, what part does the early imprinting of our environment and family upbringing play in the development of the unconscious part of our willed intent? How does that shape our motivation and intention? How much was created by us? How much was planted there by our environment and upbringing? Getting a headache? I am.

This is enough for today. They say asking the right questions are more important than answers. If so, maybe some of these thoughts are the right questions. More later……..